EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – A new clinic ‘Next Chapter Health and Wellness’ is now available to people of the greater Chippewa Valley battling addiction and mental health struggles.
The private practice came to be after healthcare closures shocked the region, especially people trying to stay sober.
One of the nurse practitioners at the clinic, Zach Couture said “In the meantime these people, they still needed help. For a lot of them, being on some of these medications is a lifeline to help maintain their sobriety.”
As the month of October shines light on substance use prevention, nurse practitioner Kristi Burdick said the practice is here to help. “What Zach and I offer is a small clinic with a personalized touch. Everything is individualized to each person, we do not doo ‘cookie-cutter’ medicine. We tailor all of our treatments to each person specifically and try to develop a really good relationship,” she said.
Both clinicians said they want to offer anyone in need of treatment with a helping hand, and a listening ear.
“That compassion and that understanding in a small environment. A lot of people don’t seek treatment because of the stigma of addiction and mental health, and they’re afraid to ask for help. They’re afraid to go to the emergency room and be judged. And let them know that recovery is not just possible, it’s probable,” Burdick said.
Reminding anyone battling addiction and mental health struggles “recovery whenever you find it is something that is just transformative for a person. On the other hand, for those who are younger it can really affect because it’s hard to see when you’re younger the long-term consequences of substance use,” Couture said.
Clinic staff said their foundation comes from experience for both in and outpatient care.
“We’re very familiar with medications and the process to help with withdrawal management, so if somebody is concerned about their withdrawal we have that experience. Although we aren’t inpatient, we can still help,” Burdick said.
Reminding everyone they don’t have to go through the battle alone.
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